How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living room an attractive focal point that requires attention. There are a variety of models on the market however, it is crucial to choose one that meets your needs.

The output of heat, the controls, and the design are just a few of the important features. If you're not familiar with these features, it's recommended to hire an expert to assist you in choosing the right model.

Molded Squares

The living room in this house needed a dramatic fireplace makeover due to its outdated stone surround and bland walls. The new design is bright, eye-catching and makes the hearth the main focal point of the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary art above the fireplace modernize the facade, while the gray shelves below provide a stark contrast. The fireplace's exterior is enhanced by a few color changes.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces create a simple yet effective way to frame a tile fireplace surround. To connect the look pick a trim style to contrast or match the other trim elements, such as thick casing around windows and doors. If you're looking to create an elegant, high-end look, you can consider using fluted trim on the sides of the fireplace to give the appearance of an actual mantel. Dentil trim can be used to create a rustic farmhouse look.

Wainscoting accent walls is a popular method to add personality to a room. The same technique can also be used to frame the fireplace. Instead of using plank boards you can try using a paneled material such as beadboard or tongue-andgroove cedar siding to create a striking look.

Brick is another non-combustible option for a fireplace surround. It is available in a variety of styles and colors. A traditional brick fireplace in red is a classic option for cottage-style or Craft Revival style homes. The rustic-look brick is an option that could be a good fit with a more traditional, country style.

If you are planning to incorporate brick into your fireplace design, make sure that your hearth is 16-18 inches from the opening of the firebox, and your surround is 8 to 12 inches wide in all directions. Make sure the material you choose is safe and conforms to all codes of the local and national level.

Open shelving is a great way to organize books and other items however, too many shelves can make a mess of the fireplace. For this family room the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the appearance of the fireplace without overwhelming the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the ideal frame for a wall fireplace. They add timeless beauty to any house. Reclaimed wood beams are reclaimed from old barns, stalls and other buildings that were demolished. Each beam has its own distinct story. Reclaimed wood can be used as a decorative element in modern kitchens, or with wide planks of paneling to create an authentic appearance. They are characterized by the typical markings of barn wood, like mortise and nail holes as well as natural patina that increases their durability.

Search architectural salvage yards and flea markets for reclaimed wood elements to transform into a mantel. For instance the earthy color of pine that accents the traditional living room mantel and fireplace makeover surround creates the feeling of a rustic, cozy retreat. Its knotty imperfections emphasize the hand-crafted look and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting that surrounds the fireplace wall. The rustic warmth of the space is enhanced by a pair of natural-inspired wall sconces and an image of a landscape above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams can provide an attractive accent to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your current design or carved to create an antique appearance. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary appearance or covered with faux finishes such as rust or marbling paint.

Wooden beams can serve as a focal point in any kind of fireplace. They can be set over a freestanding gas, ventless or electric fireplace or incorporated into a brick or stone fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without burning fire.

No matter which method of installation you decide to use ensure that your steel or wood beams are adequately protected from the possible consequences of fire. Both types of materials can be brittle and weaken in the presence of extreme heat, but both can be strengthened by a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant sprays on I-beams made of steel. These products are available at most stores for home improvement.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can make a dramatic statement when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly brightens the room and can be incorporated into any style, whether contemporary or traditional. Choosing a matte finish for the tiles is ideal to maintain that clean and polished look while adding some color to make the fireplace stand out.

Hex tiles also work well with various textures for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tile is a popular option that gives the room an old-fashioned, rustic feel while blending beautifully with natural materials like wood. Another timeless option is marble-look tile that adds a luxurious and elegant aesthetic to the space. The smooth and glossy surface of these tiles sparkles beautifully, reflecting sunlight and brightening the room.

The proper tile pattern can improve the entire look of the fireplace. For example, the ribbed tile on this fireplace by @lorenapulichinodesign creates an interesting visual element that pairs beautifully with the smooth, thick mantel. The patterned tile gives the entire room a the look of a hand-crafted piece that balances the modern organic style of the fireplace and the contemporary style of the room.

If you are unsure of making a design risk in your home, the fireplace is a great spot to test an imposing design. It might be intimidating for other areas. This geometric tile with its black grout gives this space an elegant, yet fun feel. The hexagonal shapes work as cubes to create an exciting layout, and the dark brown color provides a warm and inviting aesthetic that is a perfect match for the industrial style of the room.

Another option to make an impact with your fireplace is to use tiles that look like the appearance of brick or another popular material. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance to brick, however, it is much easier to maintain and clean.

If you're not ready commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace surround, consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to update the look without spending a fortune. A majority of these options are heat-resistant which means they are safe for bedroom fireplaces and able to adhere to the existing stone. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option for adding the look of a room. It also coordinates beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the best method to hide the brick surround on the wall of a fireplace. The mantel can be painted with a different color to give it a more cosy and spirited look. If you decide to match it with the room's color scheme or opt for something striking, a new paint color can make your fireplace stand out as a showpiece.

If your mantel is wood take a look at it to find cracks, gouges, and nicks. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the amount of time recommended. Sand the surface using 100-grit paper to roughen it before painting. To remove any dirt or debris, wipe down the surfaces you have sanded with a damp cloth.

White is a popular shade for vintage fireplaces and walls. However the right shade will make your fireplace stand out. Look at the other wood trims, moldings, and bookcases around your home for inspiration. Does your mantel match in color as theirs, or is it darker or lighter? If you choose the latter, choose a color that will work well with the other hues in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Protect the area around you by using a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. Remove any ornaments or display pieces that were hung above the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any ornaments or pictures that are placed on or within the fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleaned, use a damp cloth and wipe it down to get rid of any dust or soot.

Apply a basecoat with brushes or rollers to your mantel. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain resistant, so your mantel will be able to be able to withstand the heat of your fireplace, as well as other items placed on it. Let the primer dry, as per the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin painting the main body of the fireplace wall.

While brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace's wall it can be heavy and dark in shade. Paint the mantel with a light color or neutral to make it appear lighter and more inviting. If you decide to go with a light hue, think about pairing it with a earthy-toned artwork or a large mirror above it to balance the look.